Effortless Comfort: Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Craving a warm, hearty, and incredibly easy-to-make meal? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini Soup recipe! This dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The combination of savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a flavorful broth creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. And the best part? Your slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the delicious results. This recipe is easily customizable, making it a great way to use up leftover vegetables or adjust the spice level to your preference. Get ready to experience a culinary hug in a bowl!
## Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Soup
* **Effortless Cooking:** Simply brown the sausage, throw everything into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. Minimal prep time for maximum flavor.
* **Hearty and Filling:** Packed with protein, carbs, and vegetables, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Swap the sausage, add different vegetables, or use gluten-free tortellini.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. The flavors only get better with time!
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This soup is always a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a guaranteed way to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:
* **1 pound Italian sausage:** (Mild, medium, or hot, removed from casings) The sausage is the star of the show, so choose a high-quality brand. Opt for sweet or mild Italian sausage for a family-friendly flavor, or use hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick. Make sure to remove the sausage from its casing for easier browning and even distribution throughout the soup.
* **1 large onion, chopped:** The onion provides a base of flavor for the soup. Yellow or white onions work best. Chop the onion into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Garlic adds a pungent aroma and savory flavor to the soup. Use fresh garlic for the best results. Mince the garlic finely to release its flavor.
* **2 carrots, chopped:** Carrots add sweetness and texture to the soup. Peel the carrots before chopping. Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
* **2 celery stalks, chopped:** Celery adds a subtle, savory flavor to the soup. Wash and chop the celery into small, bite-sized pieces.
* **1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes:** Crushed tomatoes provide a rich, tomatoey base for the soup. Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also use diced tomatoes, but crushed tomatoes create a smoother texture.
* **6 cups chicken broth:** Chicken broth adds a savory depth of flavor to the soup. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
* **1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning:** Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs that complements the other flavors in the soup. You can also use a combination of individual herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Adjust the amount of salt to your taste.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Black pepper adds a touch of spice to the soup. Adjust the amount of pepper to your taste.
* **9 ounces cheese tortellini:** (Fresh or frozen) Cheese tortellini adds a cheesy, comforting element to the soup. Use fresh or frozen tortellini, depending on your preference. If using frozen tortellini, add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
* **1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley:** (For garnish) Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the soup. Chop the parsley finely before adding it as a garnish.
* **Grated Parmesan cheese:** (For garnish, optional) Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor to the soup. Sprinkle it on top of each serving.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Slow cooker:** A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
* **Large skillet:** For browning the sausage.
* **Cutting board and knife:** For chopping the vegetables.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For measuring the ingredients.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini Soup:
**Step 1: Brown the Sausage**
* Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step helps to develop the flavors of the vegetables and prevent them from being bland in the soup.
**Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**
* Transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
**Step 4: Cook the Soup**
* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer the soup cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
**Step 5: Add the Tortellini**
* During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir in the cheese tortellini. Cover and cook until the tortellini is tender and heated through.
**Step 6: Serve and Garnish**
* Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
## Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Soup
* **Don’t skip browning the sausage:** Browning the sausage adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get otherwise. It also helps to render out some of the fat, preventing the soup from being too greasy.
* **Sauté the vegetables:** Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker helps to develop their flavors and prevents them from being bland.
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will affect the taste of the soup. Use high-quality sausage, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth for the best results.
* **Don’t overcook the tortellini:** Adding the tortellini too early will cause them to become mushy. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your taste:** Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning.
* **Add a splash of cream:** For an extra-creamy soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
* **Use a different type of sausage:** Try using different types of sausage, such as chorizo, andouille, or turkey sausage.
* **Add different vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use vegetarian sausage or omit the sausage altogether.
* **Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans** for added protein and fiber
## Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:
* **Spicy Sausage Tortellini Soup:** Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
* **Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup:** Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 15 minutes of cooking time for a richer, creamier soup.
* **Spinach and Sausage Tortellini Soup:** Add a bag of fresh spinach to the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking time. The spinach will wilt down and add a boost of nutrients.
* **Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup:** Substitute chicken sausage for Italian sausage for a leaner option.
* **Vegetarian Tortellini Soup:** Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, for added flavor and texture.
* **Gluten-Free Tortellini Soup:** Use gluten-free tortellini for a gluten-free version of this soup.
* **Dairy-Free Tortellini Soup:** Look for dairy-free tortellini options.
## Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with:
* **Crusty bread:** For dipping into the flavorful broth.
* **Garlic bread:** A classic pairing with soup.
* **Side salad:** A light and refreshing complement to the hearty soup.
* **Grilled cheese sandwich:** A kid-friendly favorite.
## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the tortellini during the last 30 minutes of cooking time when reheating.
* **Storage:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even more delicious the next day.
* **Freezing:** Freeze leftover soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the tortellini may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)**
* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients)
* Protein: 25-30 grams
* Fat: 20-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
## Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe Card
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Italian sausage (mild, medium, or hot, removed from casings)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 9 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
* Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir in the cheese tortellini. Cover and cook until the tortellini is tender and heated through.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
**Notes:**
* For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* For a creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 15 minutes of cooking time.
* Add other vegetables, such as spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers.
* Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
Enjoy this comforting and delicious Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini Soup! It’s a perfect meal for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite.